U.S. patent number 8,577,283 [Application Number 11/182,231] was granted by the patent office on 2013-11-05 for tdd repeater.
This patent grant is currently assigned to QUALCOMM Incorporated. The grantee listed for this patent is Kenneth Robert Baker, Richard Finch Dean. Invention is credited to Kenneth Robert Baker, Richard Finch Dean.
United States Patent |
8,577,283 |
Dean , et al. |
November 5, 2013 |
TDD repeater
Abstract
A repeater that facilitates communication in a wireless
environment comprises a scheduling component that analyzes a
schedule relating to when communications are active in the forward
link direction and when communications are active in the reverse
link direction, the communications are subject to time division
duplexing. An amplifier that amplifies received communications as a
function of the schedule. The repeater can further comprise a
configuration component that configures the amplifier to amplify
the received communications in one or more of a forward link
direction and a reverse link direction.
Inventors: |
Dean; Richard Finch (Lyons,
CO), Baker; Kenneth Robert (Boulder, CO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dean; Richard Finch
Baker; Kenneth Robert |
Lyons
Boulder |
CO
CO |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
QUALCOMM Incorporated (San
Diego, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
37387253 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/182,231 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20070015462 A1 |
Jan 18, 2007 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/10; 455/11.1;
370/236; 370/324; 370/274; 370/501; 370/345; 370/492; 370/279;
455/456.5; 375/211; 455/7; 370/226; 370/280; 455/456.1; 455/13.1;
455/553.1; 455/13.2; 370/293; 370/246; 370/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B
7/15557 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04B
1/60 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;455/7-25,127.3,144,194.2,253.2,311,341,456.1-457,11.1,13.1,13.2,553.1
;370/274,279,280,293,294,321,324,226,236,246,315,492,501
;375/211 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Other References
International Serch Report--PCT/US/06/027677, International Search
Authority--European Patent Office--Dec. 6, 2006. cited by applicant
.
Taiwanese Search report--095125924--TIPO--Aug. 14, 2010. cited by
applicant .
Written Opinion--PCT/US/06/027677, International Search
Authority--European Patent Office--Dec. 6, 2006. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Chen; Junpeng
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Johnson; Michael
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method, comprising: receiving at a repeater a time division
duplex communications schedule transmitted by a base station, the
time division duplex communications schedule being associated with
the base station and a user terminal; altering the time division
duplex communications schedule at the repeater based at least in
part on data indicative of an estimated position of the repeater,
wherein altering the time division duplex communications schedule
comprises adjusting, as a first function of a location of the
repeater with respect to the base station, forward link scheduled
times, of the time division duplex communications schedule,
relating to when forward communications are active in the forward
link direction; and adjusting, as a second function of a location
of the repeater with respect to the user terminal, reverse link
scheduled times, of the time division duplex communications
schedule, relating to when reverse communications are active in the
reverse link direction; and selectively amplifying one or more
communications signals at the repeater in one or more of the
forward link direction and the reverse link direction based at
least in part on the altered time division duplex communications
schedule.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: associating one or
more sensors with the repeater to obtain the data indicative of the
estimated position of the repeater.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving the one or
more communications signals in the forward link direction; and
configuring an amplifier associated with the repeater to amplify
the one or more received communications signals in the forward link
direction.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving the one or
more communications signals in the reverse link direction; and
configuring an amplifier associated with the repeater to amplify
the one or more received communications signals in the reverse link
direction.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: dedicating an
amplifier of the repeater to amplify the one or more communications
signals in the forward link direction; and providing power to the
amplifier as a function of the altered time division duplex
communications schedule.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: dedicating an
amplifier of the repeater to amplify the one or more communications
signals in the reverse link direction; and providing power to the
amplifier as a function of the altered time division duplex
communications schedule.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring an
amplifier associated with the repeater to intermittently amplify
communications in the forward link direction and intermittently
amplify communications in the reverse link direction according to
the altered time division duplex communications schedule.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said configuring the amplifier
comprises connecting radio-frequency switches in one of the forward
link direction and the reverse link direction according to the
altered time division duplex communications schedule.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: configuring the
repeater at least in part by associating the repeater with
functionality similar to that associated with the user terminal,
and utilizing the functionality to receive the time division duplex
communications schedule.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring an
amplifier to amplify the one or more communications signals
according to the altered time division duplex communications
schedule.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said altering the time division
duplex communications schedule comprises automatically adjusting
the time division duplex communications schedule as a function of
the estimated position of the repeater with respect to one or more
of the base station and the user terminal.
12. A repeater apparatus for utilization in a time-division duplex
(TDD) wireless environment, comprising: means for receiving a
communications schedule published by a base station, wherein the
communications schedule is associated with the base station and a
user terminal; means for altering the communications schedule based
at least in part on data indicative of an estimated position of the
repeater, the means for altering comprising means for adjusting, as
a first function of a location of the repeater with respect to the
base station, forward link scheduled times, of the communications
schedule, relating to when forward communications are active in the
forward link direction; and means for adjusting, as a second
function of a location of the repeater with respect to the user
terminal, reverse link scheduled times, of the communications
schedule, relating to when reverse communications are active in the
reverse link direction; and means for amplifying one or more
communications signals between the base station and the user
terminal based at least in part on the altered communications
schedule.
13. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, wherein the user terminal
comprises one or more of a cellular telephone, a personal digital
assistant, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or
a wristwatch.
14. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more
communications signals comprise a voice signal.
15. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more
communications signals comprise a computer-related data signal.
16. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more
communications signals comprise one or more of a voice signal and
one or more of a computer-related data signal.
17. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: means
for identifying the communications schedule associated with the
base station and the user terminal.
18. The repeater apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: means
for storing the received communications schedule; and means for
analyzing the received communications schedule.
19. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: means
for sensing one or more parameters associated with the repeater
apparatus; and means for amplifying the one or more communications
signals based at least in part on the sensed one or more
parameters.
20. The repeater apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more
parameters comprise one or more of the estimated position of the
repeater apparatus, a velocity associated with the repeater
apparatus, an acceleration associated with the repeater apparatus,
a direction of travel associated with the repeater apparatus, or an
elevation of the repeater apparatus.
21. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: means
for configuring a first amplifier to amplify a first plurality of
signals in a forward link direction; means for utilizing the first
amplifier to amplify the first plurality of signals in the forward
link direction; means for configuring a second amplifier to amplify
a second plurality of signals in a reverse link direction; and
means for utilizing the second amplifier to amplify the second
plurality of signals in the reverse link direction.
22. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, further comprising means
for configuring an amplifier to amplify a plurality of signals in a
forward link direction and a reverse link direction as a function
of the altered communications schedule.
23. The repeater apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means
for connecting one or more amplifier stages based at least in part
on the altered communications schedule.
24. The repeater apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: means
for sensing that a received signal of the one or more
communications signals is traveling in one of a forward link
direction and a reverse link direction; and means for amplifying
the received signal at least in part as a function of the sensed
direction of travel.
25. A repeater to facilitate communication in a wireless
communications environment, comprising: a sensor to sense
position-related data associated with the repeater; a scheduling
component to receive a communications schedule published by a base
station, wherein the communications schedule is associated with the
base station and a user terminal; a compensation component to alter
the received communications schedule based at least in part on the
sensed position-related data, the compensation component being
configured to adjust, as a first function of the one or more
parameters associated with the repeater as compared to a location
of the base station, forward link scheduled times, of the
communications schedule, relating to when forward communications
are active in the forward link direction; and adjust, as a second
function of the position-related data associated with the repeater
as compared to one or more parameters associated with the user
terminal, reverse link scheduled times, of the communications
schedule, relating to when reverse communications are active in the
reverse link direction; and an amplifier to amplify one or more
communications signals in one or more of the forward link direction
and the reverse link direction based at least in part on the
altered communications schedule.
26. The repeater of claim 25, further comprising an interface
component to monitor communications between the base station and
the user terminal and to detect transmission of one or more signals
indicative of the communications schedule by the base station.
27. The repeater of claim 26, further comprising an antenna to
receive the one or more signals indicative of the communications
schedule transmitted by the base station.
28. The repeater of claim 25, further comprising a configuration
component to configure the amplifier to amplify the one or more
communications signals in one or more of the forward link direction
and the reverse link direction.
29. The repeater of claim 28, the configuration component to
selectively couple a radio-frequency switch to an appropriate
amplifier stage based at least in part on the altered
communications schedule.
30. The repeater of claim 25, wherein the sensed position-related
data includes one or more of an estimated location of the repeater,
a velocity of the repeater, a direction of travel of the repeater,
an acceleration of the repeater, or an elevation of the
repeater.
31. The repeater of claim 25, wherein the sensor comprises a global
positioning system sensor to estimate, at least in part, a location
of the repeater.
32. The repeater of claim 25, wherein the wireless communications
environment comprises one of a time division synchronous code
division multiple access environment or a time division code
division multiple access environment.
33. The repeater of claim 25, further comprising an antenna to
receive one or more signals indicative of the communications
schedule published by the base station.
34. The repeater of claim 33, further comprising: a data store to
retain the received one or more signals indicative of the
communications schedule; and a processor to facilitate
configuration of the amplifier in accordance with the altered
communications schedule.
35. The repeater of claim 25, wherein the repeater comprises a
mobile terminal.
36. The repeater of claim 25, wherein the wireless communications
environment comprises a time division synchronous code division
multiple access environment.
37. A system to facilitate communication in a wireless
communications environment, comprising: a base station to publish a
communications schedule associated with the base station and a user
terminal in accordance with a time division duplex protocol; and a
repeater to receive the communications schedule, to estimate a
location for the repeater, to alter the communications schedule
based at least in part on the estimated location, and to amplify
one or more communications signals between the base station and the
user terminal based at least in part on the altered communications
schedule, wherein the repeater is configured to alter the
communications schedule to adjust, as a first function of a
location of the repeater with respect to the base station, forward
link scheduled times, of the communications schedule, relating to
when forward communications are active in a forward link direction,
and wherein the repeater is further configured to alter the
communications schedule to adjust, as a second function of a
location of the repeater with respect to the user terminal, reverse
link scheduled times, of the communications schedule, relating to
when reverse communications are active in a reverse link
direction.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the wireless communications
environment comprises a time division synchronous code division
multiple access environment.
39. The system of claim 37, the base station to further publish a
plurality of communications schedules associated with the base
station and a respective plurality of user terminals in accordance
with the time division duplex protocol, the repeater to receive the
plurality of communications schedules, the repeater to alter the
plurality of received communications schedules based at least in
part on the estimated location of the repeater, and the repeater to
amplify communications signals between the base station and the
plurality of user terminals in accordance with the plurality of
altered communications schedules.
40. An article, comprising: a computer-readable medium having
stored thereon instructions executable by a processor in a repeater
to: recognize one or more signals transmitted by a base station
indicative of a communications schedule associated with the base
station and a user terminal, the communications schedule compliant
or compatible with a time division duplex protocol; alter the
communications schedule based at least in part on data indicative
of an estimated location of the repeater at least in part by
adjusting, as a first function of a location of the repeater with
respect to the base station, forward link scheduled times, of the
communications schedule, relating to when forward communications
are active in a forward link direction; and adjusting, as a second
function of a location of the repeater with respect to the user
terminal, reverse link scheduled times, of the communications
schedule, relating to when reverse communications are active in a
reverse link direction; and configure an amplifier to amplify one
or more signals in one or more of the forward link direction and
the reverse link direction based at least in part on the altered
communications schedule.
41. The article of claim 40, wherein the computer readable medium
has stored thereon further instructions executable by the processor
to further enable the repeater to connect a radio-frequency switch
to an amplifier stage as a function of the altered communications
schedule.
42. The article of claim 40, wherein the computer readable medium
has stored thereon further instructions executable by the processor
to further enable the repeater to selectively provide power to an
amplifier at least in part as a function of the altered
communications schedule.
43. The article of claim 40, wherein the computer readable medium
has stored thereon further instructions executable by the processor
to further enable the repeater to: sense one or more parameters
associated with the repeater; and alter the communications schedule
based at least in part on the one or more sensed parameters.
44. A microprocessor in a repeater adapted to: recognize a
communications schedule transmitted by a base station and received
at the repeater, wherein the communications schedule is associated
with the base station and a user terminal in a time division duplex
wireless environment; alter the communications schedule based at
least in part on an estimated position of the repeater, the
microprocessor being configured to alter the communications
schedule at least in part by adjusting, as a first function of a
location of the repeater with respect to the base station, forward
link scheduled times, of the communications schedule, relating to
when forward communications are active in a forward link direction;
and adjusting, as a second function of a location of the repeater
with respect to the user terminal, reverse link scheduled times, of
the communications schedule, relating to when reverse
communications are active in a reverse link direction; and
configure an amplifier to amplify one or more signals in one or
more of the forward link direction and the reverse link direction
based at least in part on the altered communications schedule.
45. The method of claim 1, further comprising altering the time
division duplex communications schedule at the repeater at least in
part to compensate for a change of location of the repeater.
Description
BACKGROUND
I. Field
The following description relates generally to wireless
communications, and more particularly to a repeater in a
time-division duplex (TDD) environment.
II. Background
In the not too distant past mobile communication devices in
general, and mobile telephones in particular, were luxury items
only affordable to those with substantial income. Further, these
mobile telephones were significant in size, rendering them
inconvenient for extended portability. For example, in contrast to
today's mobile telephones (and other mobile communication devices),
mobile telephones of the recent past could not be placed into a
user's pocket or handbag without causing extreme discomfort. In
addition to deficiencies associated with mobile telephones,
wireless communications networks that provided services for such
telephones were unreliable, covered insufficient geographical
areas, were associated with inadequate bandwidth, and were
associated with various other deficiencies.
In contrast to the above-described mobile telephones, mobile
telephones and other devices that utilize wireless networks are now
commonplace. Today's mobile telephones are extremely portable and
inexpensive. For example, a typical modern mobile telephone can
easily be placed in a handbag without a user thereof noticing
existence of the telephone. Furthermore, wireless service providers
often offer sophisticated mobile telephones at no cost to persons
who subscribe to their wireless service. Numerous towers that
transmit and/or relay wireless communications have been constructed
over the last several years, thus providing wireless coverage to
significant portions of the United States (as well as several other
countries). Accordingly, millions (if not billions) of individuals
own and utilize mobile telephones.
The aforementioned technological advancements are not limited
solely to mobile telephones, as data other than voice data can be
received and transmitted by devices equipped with wireless
communication hardware and software. For instance, several major
metropolitan areas have implemented or are planning to implement
citywide wireless networks, thereby enabling devices with wireless
capabilities to access a network (e.g., the Internet) and interact
with data resident upon such network. Moreover, data can be
exchanged between two or more devices by way of a wireless network.
Given continuing advancement in technology, a number of users,
devices, and data types exchanged wirelessly can be expected to
continue to increase at a rapid rate.
Time division duplex (TDD) is one exemplary protocol that is
currently utilized in wireless environments to transmit and receive
voice communications and other data. Bi-directional communications
between a user terminal and a base station occur within TDD systems
over a same frequency during disparate time slots (e.g., an RF
channel center frequency is substantially similar in a forward and
reverse link). More specifically, when the base station is
delivering data to the user terminal, the user terminal listens and
does not communicate with the base station. Similarly, when the
user terminal is delivering data to the base station, the base
station listens and does not attempt to deliver data to the user
terminal. Thus, in TDD systems, a user terminal and a base station
do not simultaneously deliver data to one another over a same
frequency.
In some wireless protocols, wireless repeaters are employed between
mobile communication units (e.g., cellular phones, personal digital
assistants, . . . ) and base stations to extend communication range
there between. Repeaters receive signals between a base station and
a user terminal, amplify the received signals, and re-transmit such
signals. Repeaters can be employed to provide communication service
to a coverage hole, which was previously not serviced by the base
station. Repeaters can also augment coverage area of a sector by
shifting the location of a coverage area or altering shape of the
coverage area. Accordingly, repeaters are often highly desirably
for utilization in wireless communications environments.
Various difficulties exist, however, with respect to utilizing
repeaters within TDD systems. In particular, continuously
amplifying signals in both directions in TDD systems would cause
the repeater to oscillate; thus, the repeater would fail to amplify
an intended signal and create interference within a wireless
system. Without aid of repeaters, however, potential of TDD systems
cannot be fully reached.
SUMMARY
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more
embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some
aspects of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the one or more embodiments, and is intended to neither
identify key or critical elements of the embodiments nor delineate
the scope of such embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some
concepts of the described embodiments in a simplified form as a
prelude to the more detailed description that is presented
later.
The disclosed embodiments relate to systems, methods, articles of
manufacture, and the like that can be employed to amplify signals
in a TDD wireless environment, such as time division synchronous
code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) and time division code
division multiple access (TD-CDMA) environments. To effectuate
amplification in such a wireless environment, a communication
schedule published by a base station can be received by a repeater
and employed to configure an amplifier. Thus, for example, the
repeater can include and utilize functionality that is similar to
functionality existent in user terminals to recognize and receive
the schedule. Thereafter, the received schedule can be employed in
connection with configuring amplifiers to amplify signals
transmitted between the base station and the mobile unit. More
particularly, the amplifiers can be configured to amplify
communications in a forward link direction and a reverse link
direction that occur in accordance with the schedule. The repeater
can thus appropriately amplify signals that are transmitted in a
TDD environment without oscillating and without causing
interference to occur within such environment. Utilization of the
repeater enables base station coverage area to increase and/or
enables holes in coverage areas to be filled. The repeater can be
employed to amplify communications between a base station and a
plurality of user terminals, wherein the user terminals can be
cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants, laptop
computers, desktop computers, wristwatches, a combination thereof,
and the like.
In accordance with an aspect described herein, a method for
bi-directionally amplifying communications between a base station
and a user terminal in a TDD wireless environment comprises
providing a repeater with a TDD communications schedule between the
base station and the user terminal, and selectively amplifying
communications in one or more of a forward link direction and a
reverse link direction based at least in part upon the schedule.
Sensors can be associated with the repeater such that the sensors
obtain data relating to position of the repeater, and the schedule
can be altered as a function of the obtained data. Furthermore, an
amplifier associated with the repeater can be configured to amplify
received communications in the forward link direction and/or the
reverse link direction. Similarly, one or more amplifiers can be
dedicated to amplify communications in the forward link direction
and the reverse link direction, and power can be provided to such
amplifiers as a function of the schedule.
In accordance with another aspect, a method for configuring a
repeater in a TDD wireless communication environment involves
associating the repeater with functionality similar to that
associated with a user terminal, utilizing the functionality to
receive a schedule of communications in a TDD wireless environment,
and amplifying received signals according to the received schedule.
The method can further include automatically adjusting the schedule
as a function of location of the repeater with respect to one or
more of a base station and a user terminal.
In accordance with yet another feature described herein, a repeater
apparatus includes systems that receive a communications schedule
between a base station and a user terminal in a TDD environment and
an amplifier or the like for amplifying signals as a function of
the received schedule. The apparatus can further include a sensor
that can sense parameters associated with the repeater apparatus
and one or more amplifiers that can amplify the signals as a
function of the sensed parameters such that the sensed parameters
are one or more of location of the repeater apparatus, velocity
associated with the repeater apparatus, acceleration associated
with the repeater apparatus, direction of travel associated with
the repeater, and elevation of the repeater apparatus. Furthermore,
the apparatus can include one or more components that can configure
a first amplifier to amplify signals in a forward link direction
and configure a second amplifier to amplify signals in a reverse
link direction, as well as configuring components that can
configure an amplifier to amplify signals in a forward link
direction and a reverse link direction as a function of the
schedule.
In accordance with still yet another aspect, a repeater apparatus
for utilization in a TDD wireless environment includes a scheduling
component that can determine a communication schedule between a
base station and a user terminal in the TDD wireless environment
and an amplifier that can amplify communications between the base
station and the user terminal, wherein the communication is a voice
signal, a computer-related data signal, or a combination
thereof.
In another aspect, a repeater that facilitates communication in a
wireless environment includes a scheduling component that analyzes
a schedule relating to when communications are active in the
forward link direction and when communications are active in the
reverse link direction--the communications are subject to time
division duplexing. An amplifier can then amplify received
communications as a function of the schedule. The repeater can
further include an interface component that monitors communications
between a base station and a user terminal and detects transmission
of the schedule, and can still further comprise a configuration
component that configures the amplifier to amplify the received
communications in one or more of a forward link direction and a
reverse link direction, wherein the configuration component
selectively couples an RF switch to an appropriate amplifier stage
as a function of the schedule.
In yet another aspect described in greater detail herein, a system
that facilitates communication in a wireless environment includes a
base station that publishes a schedule for communications with a
user terminal in accordance with a TDD protocol and a repeater that
receives the schedule and amplifies communications between the base
station and the user terminal in accordance with the schedule.
In still yet another aspect, a repeater that facilitates
amplification of signals in a wireless communication environment
includes an antenna that is tuned to receive a communication
schedule between a base station and a user terminal, the schedule
is in conformance with a TDD protocol. An amplifier associated with
the antenna can then be configured to amplify signals received by
the antenna as a function of the communication schedule. The
repeater can further include a data store that retains the received
schedule and a processor that facilitates configuration of the
amplifier in accordance with the communication schedule.
Moreover, in another aspect, a computer-readable medium can have
computer-executable instructions for recognizing control
instructions published by a base station relating to a
communication schedule between the base station and a user
terminal, wherein the schedule is in conformance with a TDD
protocol, and configuring an amplifier to amplify a signal that is
desirably transmitted between the base station and the mobile unit
as a function of the control instructions. In still yet another
aspect, a microprocessor can execute instructions for amplifying a
signal, the instructions comprising recognizing a communications
schedule in a TDD wireless environment, and configuring an
amplifier in accordance with the recognized communications
schedule.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or
more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described
and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following
description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain
illustrative aspects of the one or more embodiments. These aspects
are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which
the principles of various embodiments may be employed and the
described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of a repeater that can be
utilized in a TDD environment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a repeater that can be utilized in a
TDD environment, wherein the repeater includes multiple amplifiers
that can be configured to amplify in the forward link and the
reverse link directions, respectively.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a repeater that can be utilized in a
TDD environment, wherein the repeater includes one or more
amplifiers that are selectively configured to amplify signals in an
appropriate direction.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a repeater that can be utilized in a
TDD environment, wherein the repeater can adjust a communication
schedule according to parameters sensed with respect to the
repeater.
FIG. 5 is a system that facilitates communication in a TDD
environment.
FIG. 6 is a graph that illustrates a schedule that can be employed
in a TDD environment.
FIG. 7 is a representative flow diagram illustrating a methodology
for utilizing a repeater in a TDD environment.
FIG. 8 is a representative flow diagram illustrating a methodology
for configuring amplifiers in a repeater for utilization in a TDD
environment.
FIG. 9 is a representative flow diagram illustrating a methodology
for adjusting a communication schedule received by a repeater as a
function of parameters associated with such repeater.
FIG. 10 is a repeater that can be utilized in a TDD
environment.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a repeater that can be employed in a
TDD environment.
FIG. 12 is a system that facilitates bi-directional amplification
of signals in a TDD environment.
FIG. 13 is a system that facilitates use of a user terminal as a
repeater in a TDD environment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating coverage area alterations with
respect to a base station when a repeater is employed in a wireless
environment.
FIG. 15 is a wireless network system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments are now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of various aspects described
herein. It may be evident, however, that such aspects may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form
in order to facilitate describing these aspects.
As used in this application, the terms "component," "handler,"
"model," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a
computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware
and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a
component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on
a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of
execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration,
both an application running on a computing device and the computing
device can be a component. One or more components may reside within
a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be
localized on one computing device and/or distributed between two or
more computing devices (e.g., which can be resident upon a mobile
unit). Also, these components can execute from various computer
readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The
components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes
such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets
(e.g., data from one component interacting with another component
in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such
as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal).
Furthermore, various embodiments are described herein in connection
with a subscriber station. A subscriber station can also be called
a system, a subscriber unit, mobile station, mobile, remote
station, access point, base station, remote terminal, access
terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user equipment. A
subscriber station may be a cellular telephone, a cordless
telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless
local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
handheld device having wireless connection capability, or other
processing device connected to a wireless modem.
Moreover, various aspects or features described herein may be
implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using
standard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term
"article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a
computer program accessible from any computer-readable device,
carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include
but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk,
floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact
disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and
flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive . . . ).
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level
diagram of a repeater that can be employed in a Time Division
Duplex (TDD) environment. More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates a
repeater 100 that can receive and amplify communications in both
forward and reverse link directions, wherein forward link (or
downlink) refers to a link from a fixed location such as a base
station to a user terminal, and a reverse link (or uplink) refers
to a link from a user terminal to a base station. Conventionally,
repeaters in TDD communication environments, such as Time Division
Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), have not been
realized, as amplifying in one direction (e.g., a reverse link or
forward link direction) would adversely affect communications in an
opposite direction. Repeater 100 enables amplification of
communications in TDD environments by way of employing a scheduling
component 102 that is aware of communications that will occur
between a base station and a user terminal. For example, scheduling
component 102 can include functionality similar to that existent
within user terminals, as user terminals within TDD communications
environments are aware of a transmission schedule between itself
and a base station.
In one example, scheduling component 102 can receive a schedule 104
that is published by a base station and will be utilized in
connection with a user terminal. In more detail, a base station
will communicate with a user terminal in accordance with schedule
104 received by scheduling component 102. Generally, in TDD
environments, time slots of varying size are scheduled to enable
communication within such environments. These time slots typically
are of milliseconds in length, and can alter according to needs of
devices within the communication environment. For example, if it
becomes apparent that optimizing communication between a user
terminal and a base station necessitates providing a greater amount
of time (e.g., a greater amount of time within time slots) to
communications in a reverse link direction, the base station can
determine a schedule and provide it to the user terminal. In
accordance with a related aspect, communications can be scheduled
by way of defining a length of time slots in both a forward and
reverse direction, and scheduling is undertaken by way of defining
a number of slots in each direction. Any suitable manner of
scheduling in a TDD environment, however, is contemplated and
intended to fall under the scope of the hereto-appended claims.
Scheduling component 102 can receive schedule 104, which is
substantially similar to a schedule of communications provided to a
user terminal. For instance, a schedule published by a base station
can be detected by scheduling component 102 through analysis of
signals received by such scheduling component 102. More
particularly, a base station can indicate that a schedule is being
delivered through utilization of a code or series of codes, and
scheduling component 102 can detect such code(s) to receive
schedule 104. Accordingly, scheduling component 102 can include
various signal reception components, such as antennae, to receive
schedule 104, and can further include and/or be associated with a
processor in order to enable recognition and analysis of schedule
104. For example, a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
Trrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) portion of a network in a
TD-CDMA environment can be charged with scheduling in such
environment.
Repeater 100 further includes at least one amplifier 106 that
amplifies communications within a TDD environment according to
received schedule 104. For example, if schedule 104 indicates that
communications will occur in a forward link direction for a first
time slot and thereafter communications will occur in a reverse
link direction for a second time slot, amplifier 106 can be
pre-configured to amplify in an appropriate direction according to
schedule 104. Amplifier 106 can be configured in a myriad of
disparate manners without deviating from contemplations of the
inventors with respect to various novel features described herein.
For instance, amplifier 106 can be one or more amplifiers that are
configured to amplify communications in both forward link and
reverse link directions. More specifically, switching techniques
can be employed to reverse polarity of amplification provided by
amplifier 106. In a related aspect, amplifier 106 can include a
plurality of amplifiers, wherein a first set of amplifiers is
employed to amplify communications in a forward link direction and
a second set of amplifiers is employed to amplify communication in
a reverse link direction. For example, power can be intermittently
provided to the first and second set of amplifiers according to
schedule 104. Any suitable configuration of amplifiers, however,
can be utilized in connection with repeater 100.
The following provides an exemplary utilization of repeater 100 in
a TDD wireless communications environment. A base station publishes
a schedule for communications with a user terminal, and repeater
100 obtains such schedule. The base station and user terminal then
communicate over a prescribed frequency, code channel, transmission
medium, etc. intermittently according to schedule 104. For example,
the base station can communicate in a forward link direction over a
first scheduled time slot to the user terminal, and thereafter the
user terminal can communicate with the base station over a second
scheduled time slot in the reverse link direction to the base
station. Scheduling component 102 is aware of schedule 104, and
assists in configuring amplifier 106 according to such schedule
104. Thus, repeater 100 can receive communications in a forward
link direction and amplify such communications, and can similarly
receive communications in a reverse link direction and amplify such
communications. Moreover, repeater 100 does not simultaneously
amplify the frequency band carrying the communications in both
directions--thus, repeater 100 does not oscillate and unwanted
interference is not created within wireless TDD environments. In
accordance with one aspect, repeater 100 may have knowledge of at
least a majority of schedules with respect to mobile units within
coverage area of a base station communication with repeater 100.
Thus, in one example, if there are multiple users in a forward link
coverage area of repeater 100, scheduling component 102 can have
access to a schedule for each of the users. Furthermore, repeater
100 can receive schedule 104 by any suitable manner, including
through wireless communication lines, wired communication lines
(e.g., telephone lines, cable lines, fiber optic lines, . . . ), or
a combination of wireless and wired communication lines.
Repeater 100 can be utilized in any suitable communications
environment that utilizes time-division duplexing for
bi-directional communications between devices. For instance,
repeater 100 can be employed in a cellular telephone context.
Furthermore, repeater 100 can be utilized in connection with
emergency transmission devices that operate on a substantially
similar frequency. Moreover, repeater 100 can be utilized in
connection with computer data transmittal. Accordingly, it is
understood from the above examples that repeater 100 can be
employed in any suitable wireless environment or context where a
schedule is utilized for communication over a prescribed
frequency.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a repeater 200 that can be employed within a
TDD wireless communications environment is illustrated. Repeater
200 includes a scheduling component 202 that receives a schedule
204 that describes times that communications occur in a forward
link direction and a reverse link direction. Repeater 200 can
obtain schedule 204 by monitoring a frequency, code channel, data
path, etc. that a base station and a user terminal are utilizing
for communications, wherein schedule 204 is published upon the
aforementioned frequency, code channel and/or data path.
Furthermore, repeater 200 can monitor a code channel (e.g., within
a CDMA-related system), a data path available from a base station,
or any other suitable transmission entity and/or technique to
obtain schedule 204. Scheduling component 202 can analyze the
received schedule (e.g., through utilization of a processing
device) and communicate with a configuration component 206. More
particularly, scheduling component 202 can direct configuration
component 206 to configure amplifiers within repeater 200 according
to the schedule. Thus, amplifiers will amplify in a forward link
direction when communications are traveling in such a direction,
and amplifiers will amplify in a reverse link direction when
communications are traveling in the reverse link direction.
Repeater 200 includes a forward link amplifier 208 and a
reverse-link amplifier 210, wherein amplifiers 208 and 210 can be
tasked to amplify communications traveling in a respective
direction according to schedule 204. For example, configuration
component 206 can cause power to be intermittently provided to
forward link amplifier 208 and reverse-link amplifier 210 in
accordance with schedule 204. For instance, configuration component
206 can cause switches to be opened or closed to cause
amplification in a desired direction. In operation, repeater 200
receives schedule 204 from the base station in a manner
substantially similar to how a user terminal receives schedule 204.
Communications can then ensue between the base station and the user
terminal in accordance with schedule 204. Scheduling component 202
can analyze schedule 204 and communicate with a configuration
component 206 with respect to configuring forward link amplifier
208 and reverse link amplifier 210 as a function of schedule 204.
Thus, forward link communications can be received by repeater 200,
and such communications can be amplified by repeater 200.
Similarly, reverse link communications can be received and
amplified by repeater 200 without oscillating and/or causing
interference in a wireless system.
Turning now to FIG. 3, a repeater 300 that can be employed in a TDD
wireless communications environment is illustrated. Repeater 300 is
utilized to extend coverage range of a base station in a TDD
environment. Repeater 300 includes a scheduling component 302 that
receives a schedule 304 from a base station relating to time slots
in which communications can occur in a forward link direction and a
reverse link direction between the base station and the user
terminal. Schedule 304 can be received in a manner substantially
similar to a manner in which a user terminal receives a
communications schedule in a TDD environment. Thus, control channel
information (e.g., schedule 304) available to a user terminal can
be made available to scheduling component 302.
Scheduling component 302 can analyze schedule 304 and communicate
with a configuration component 306 results of the analysis. For
example, scheduling component 302 can inform configuration
component 306 of precise times in which communications will be
traveling in a forward link direction and a reverse link direction.
Furthermore, scheduling component 302 can inform configuration
component 306 of guard time slots (blank periods between time slots
scheduled for forward link communications and time slots scheduled
for reverse link communications), where no communication exists in
either direction. Configuration component 306 can then configure an
amplifier 308 or set of amplifiers within repeater 300 according to
schedule 304. This enables a same amplifier or set of amplifiers to
amplify communications and/or signals in both forward link and
reverse link directions. For example, configuration component 306
could employ RF switches to connect amplifier stages in an
appropriate direction (e.g., a forward link direction or a reverse
link direction).
In operation, scheduling component 302 can receive schedule 304
from a base station, wherein schedule 304 can be analyzed to
determine when communications will occur between the base station
and a user terminal in a forward link direction and a reverse link
direction. Scheduling component 302 can relay scheduling
information to configuration component 306, which can thereafter
provide instructions to amplifier 308 regarding when to alter
configuration of a switch associated therewith. Repeater 300 can
receive forward link communications according to schedule 304, and
amplifier 308 is configured to amplify the communications in the
appropriate direction. Similarly, repeater 300 can receive
communications in a reverse link direction as prescribed by
schedule 304, and amplifier 308 is configured to amplify the
communications in the appropriate direction.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a repeater 400 that can be utilized in a TDD
environment is illustrated, wherein repeater 400 is employed to
amplify communications in both a forward link direction and a
reverse link direction without causing interference. Repeater 400
includes a scheduling component 402 that receives a schedule 404
from a base station, wherein schedule 404 is informative as to when
communications are to be delivered in a forward direction and when
communications are to be delivered in a reverse direction.
Scheduling component 402 can, for example, operate as a user
terminal to receive schedule 404. Repeater 400 can further include
one or more sensors 406 that sense parameters associated with
repeater 400. For example, repeater 400 can be resident upon a
moving entity, such as an automobile, train, plane, and the like,
and sensors 406 can be employed to determine a location of repeater
400 with respect to a base station and/or a user terminal, speed of
travel, acceleration, direction of travel, etc. For instance,
sensors 406 can include a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor or
other suitable location-related sensor, as well as speedometers,
accelerometers, and the like.
Scheduling component 402 can relay schedule 404 to a compensation
component 408, which also receives parameters obtained by way of
sensors 406. Compensation component 408 can compensate for location
and mobility of repeater 400 and/or a user terminal to configure an
amplifier 410 so that such amplifier 410 selectively amplifies
communications received by repeater 400. In more detail, due to
delays associated with transmission of communications over a
geographic distance, if repeater 400 is mobile schedule 404 may not
be able to be strictly complied with. Rather, slight adjustments
may be necessary to desirably amplify communications in a TDD
environment between a base station and a user terminal. For a
specific example, as repeater 400 is moved further from a base
station, a communication will require a greater amount of time to
be transferred from the base station to the repeater. Without
compensation component 408, strict adherence to the schedule to
configure amplifier 410 could result in less than optimal
performance of repeater 400. Compensation component 408, however,
given schedule 404 and sensed parameters, can dynamically make
adjustments to configuration of amplifier 410 to facilitate optimal
performance of repeater 400. Furthermore, in addition to sensed
parameters, compensation component 408 can have access to
information relating to geographic location of a base station as
well as parameters relating to a user terminal, such as location,
direction of movement, and the like. Mobile repeater 400 can thus
receive communications in both a forward link direction and a
reverse link direction and selectively amplify the communications
without causing interference in a wireless environment.
Now referring to FIG. 5, a system 500 that facilitates selectively
amplifying communications in a TDD wireless communications
environment is illustrated. System 500 includes a base station 502
that communicates with a user terminal 504. While shown to be a
mobile telephone, it is understood that user terminal 504 can be
any suitable voice or data reception device, such as a personal
digital assistance, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a wristwatch,
a desktop computer, etc. Base station 502 outputs control
information that informs user terminal 504 when communications will
travel in a forward direction and when communications will travel
in a reverse direction between base station 502 and user terminal
504. The control information is hereinafter referred to as a
schedule 506. Schedule 506 is received by user terminal 504 and is
also received by a repeater 508. Repeater 508, for example, can
include functionality similar to that in user terminal 504, thereby
enabling receipt and understanding of schedule 506.
An interface component 510 can be associated with repeater 508 to
facilitate receipt of schedule 506. For instance, interface
component 510 can be an antenna, software that enables receipt and
analysis of the schedule, etc. Repeater 508 can further include a
data store 512 to enable storage of schedule 506. Data store 512
can be of any suitable format, including, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, any
suitable disk structure, and the like. Upon receiving and analyzing
schedule 506, repeater 508 can amplify communications between base
station 502 and user terminal 504 in both the forward and reverse
link directions without causing interference within system 500.
Now referring to FIG. 6, a graph 600 that exemplifies a schedule
with respect to time and energy, wherein graph 600 can exist within
a TDD wireless environment, is illustrated. Graph 600 includes time
slots that are scheduled for communications in a forward link
direction (e.g., from a base station to a user terminal), time
slots that are scheduled for communications in a reverse link
direction (e.g., from a user terminal to a base station), and time
slots that are scheduled as guard times (e.g., buffer time slots
where no communication is to occur). As discussed above, in a TDD
wireless environment communications occur in both directions
(forward link and reverse link) over a substantially similar center
RF frequency. Accordingly, to effectively communicate between a
base station and user terminal, communications should not
simultaneously occur in both directions.
For example, between times t.sub.0 and t.sub.1, communications are
scheduled to occur in a forward link direction. Between times
t.sub.1 and t.sub.2, a guard band time is scheduled to aid in
avoiding collisions (data/signals simultaneously traveling in
disparate directions over one frequency). Between times t.sub.2 and
t.sub.3, communications are scheduled to occur in a reverse link
direction, and between times t.sub.3 and t.sub.4, a guard band time
is scheduled. As can be easily discerned from graph 600, forward
link communications are also scheduled between times t.sub.4 and
t.sub.5 and between times t.sub.8 and t.sub.9. Similarly, a reverse
link communication is scheduled between times t.sub.6 and t.sub.7,
and guard band time slots are scheduled between time slots
scheduled for forward link communications and time slots scheduled
for reverse link communications. A schedule such as the one
exemplified by graph 600 can be utilized in a repeater within a TDD
wireless communications environment to determine when to amplify
communications in a forward link direction and a reverse link
direction. A legend 602 is provided to aid in analysis of graph
600.
Referring to FIGS. 7-9, methodologies relating to intermittently
amplifying communications in a TDD wireless communications
environment by way of a repeater are illustrated. While, for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown
and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of
acts, as some acts may, in accordance with these methodologies,
occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from
that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the
art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could
alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or
events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated
acts may be required to implement the following methodologies.
Referring now solely to FIG. 7, a methodology 700 for utilizing a
repeater in a TDD wireless communications environment is
illustrated. At 702, a repeater is provided, wherein the repeater
can include memory that is utilized for storage of data relevant to
amplification of communications within the wireless environment.
The repeater can further include a processor and corresponding
circuitry to configure one or more amplifiers to ensure
amplification of signals/data in a desired direction (e.g., in a
forward link direction or a reverse link direction). At 704, a
schedule of communications between a base station and a user
terminal is received, wherein the communications are delivered in
conformance with a TDD protocol, such as TD-SCDMA. The schedule is
informative with respect to when communications are to occur in a
forward link direction and a reverse link direction (and when guard
times are scheduled). For instance, similar devices and/or
functionality that is employed in user terminals can be associated
with the repeater to facilitate reception of the schedule, and the
memory within the repeater can be employed to at least temporarily
store the schedule and/or a derivation thereof.
At 706, the repeater is configured in accordance with the received
schedule. For example, a processor can be programmed to cause
switches to operate at particular times in accordance with the
schedule. At 708, communications in a forward link direction or a
reverse link direction are received by the repeater, and at 710 the
received communications are amplified. As the repeater is
configured according to the communications schedule, amplification
of communications will occur in an appropriate direction.
Therefore, the repeater will not be subject to oscillation and will
not generate interference within a wireless environment.
Now referring to FIG. 8, a methodology 800 for employing a repeater
in a wireless environment is illustrated. At 802, a repeater is
provided, wherein the repeater can include a processor and memory.
The processor can be, for example, a microprocessor, a
microcontroller, or any other suitable processing device. At 804, a
first amplifier is configured to amplify communications in a
forward link direction, and at 806 a second amplifier is configured
to amplify communications in a reverse link direction. At 808, a
schedule relating to communications between a base station and a
user terminal is received, wherein the schedule at least includes
information associated with times that communications will occur in
a forward link direction and times that communications will occur
in a reverse link direction. As described above, the repeater can
include functionality and/or mechanisms that are similar to that
within a user terminal to enable reception of the schedule.
At 810, communications are received by the repeater in a forward
link direction or a reverse link direction. At 812, the first
and/or second amplifiers are utilized to amplify the received
communications in a proper direction in accordance with the
schedule. For example, the first amplifier can be provided with
power when communications are scheduled to occur in a forward link
direction and deprived of power when communications are scheduled
to occur in a reverse link direction. Similarly, the second
amplifier can be provided with power when communications are
scheduled to occur in a reverse link direction and deprived of
power when communications are scheduled to occur in a forward link
direction. Thus, communications between a base station and a user
terminal in a TDD environment will be appropriately amplified,
thereby extending coverage area of the base station.
Turning now to FIG. 9, a methodology 900 for utilizing a mobile
repeater in a TDD wireless communications environment is
illustrated. At 902, a repeater is provided, wherein the repeater
is associated with an entity that is in motion or capable of being
in motion (e.g., a plane, an automobile, . . . ). At 904, sensors
are associated with the repeater, wherein the sensors can relate to
various parameters relating to the repeater, such as location of
the repeater, direction of travel of the repeater, speed of travel
of the repeater, elevation of the repeater, and the like.
Furthermore, the sensors can indicate a location of the repeater
with respect to a base station and a user terminal.
At 906, a schedule for communications between a base station and a
user terminal is received by the repeater, wherein the
communications are to occur in a TDD-related environment, such as
TD-SCDMA. At 908, the repeater is configured in accordance with the
received schedule, thereby enabling amplification of communications
to occur in appropriate directions. At 910, the schedule is
adjusted in accordance with the sensed parameters. For instance, if
the repeater is traveling away from a base station at a rapid rate
of speed, timing associated with communications amplified by such
repeater can be affected. Accordingly, the received schedule can be
adjusted in light of such parameters. At 912, communications in a
forward link direction or a reverse link direction are received,
and at 914 the communications are amplified accordingly. Thus,
utilizing the methodology 900, a repeater can be employed in a
wireless TDD environment, wherein the repeater is mobile or subject
to mobility.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a repeater 1000 that can be employed in a
TDD wireless communication environment is illustrated. Repeater
1000 is employed to receive communications in a forward link
direction and a reverse link direction and amplify such
communications without oscillating or causing interference.
Repeater 1000 includes a sensing component 1002 that monitors a
frequency, code channel, data path, etc. for communications, and
dynamically determines which direction the communications are
traveling. Repeater 1000 further includes a data store 1004 that
can be utilized to store received communications, thereby creating
a time buffer. In more detail, the data store can continuously
receive and temporarily store communications to account for sensing
delays associated with sensing component 1002. For instance,
determining that a received communication is traveling in a forward
link direction and configuring an amplifier to desirably amplify
the received communication can take a small portion of time. Data
store 1004 enables amplification to occur on an entirety of a
communication without reliance on a received schedule. In other
words, repeater 1000 can dynamically amplify communications upon
detection/analysis of a received signal.
Repeater 1000 can further include a configuration component 1006
that configures an amplifier 1008 upon sensing component 1002
sensing direction of a received communication. For example,
configuration component 1006 can cause power to be applied to
amplifier 1008, can cause an RF switch to be positioned in a
particular manner, and the like. Amplifier 1008 can then amplify a
received communication in an appropriate direction. In operation,
repeater 1000 receives a communication in a forward link direction
or a reverse link direction, and such communications are directed
to data store 1004, which is employed as a buffer. Sensing
component 1002 determines a direction of travel of the received
communication, and informs configuration component 1006 of such
direction. Configuration component 1006 configures amplifier 1008
according to the direction, and pulls communications from the data
store (in a FIFO manner). Amplifier 1008 then amplifies the
communications in the appropriate direction.
Now turning to FIG. 11, a repeater 1100 and physical components
therein are illustrated, wherein repeater 1100 can be employed in a
TDD wireless communication environment. Repeater 1100 includes an
antenna 1102 that can be employed to receive a schedule with
respect to communications that will occur between a base station
and a user terminal. Antenna 1102 can also be employed to receive
communications between the aforementioned base station and user
terminal. For instance, antenna 1102 can be tuned to a frequency
that is utilized for communications between the two aforementioned
entities. While not shown as such, antenna 1102 can also be
employed in connection with transmitting communications within a
TDD environment. Repeater 1100 can further include a data store
1104 that is employed to retain the schedule received by antenna
1102. Moreover, data store 1104 can be utilized to store software
associated with repeater 1100. Furthermore, data store 1104 can
include volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, wherein the
nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable
ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically
erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include
random access memory (RAM), which is available in many forms, such
as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM
(SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM
(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).
Moreover, data store 1104 can include and/or be associated with a
disk drive. Thus, it is understood that any suitable data storage
media is contemplated.
A processor 1106 can be employed to effectuate software stored
within data store 1104 as well as analyze the received schedule and
configure an amplifier 1108. For instance, amplifier 1108 can be
configured in accordance with the received schedule. A transmitter
1110 can be utilized to transmit amplified signals to a desired
entity, and an antenna 1112 can be employed in connection
therewith. For instance, if the amplifier is configured to amplify
communications in a forward link direction, then transmitter 1110
can output an amplified communication to a user terminal by way of
antenna 1112.
Now referring to FIG. 12, a system 1200 that facilitates
communication between a base station and a user terminal in a TDD
wireless environment is illustrated. System 1200 includes a base
station 1202 that transmits forward link communications to a user
terminal 1204 and receives reverse link communications from user
terminal 1204. Furthermore, base station 1202 determines and
publishes a schedule to be received by user terminal 1204 that is
utilized to determine time slots for occurrence of forward link
communications and reverse link communications between base station
1202 and user terminal 1204. A repeater 1206 is utilized to amplify
the communications in an appropriate direction. More specifically,
repeater 1206 (which can include functionality described with
respect to FIGS. 1-4) extends coverage of base station 1202 in a
TDD wireless communications environment by amplifying
communications between base station 1202 and the user terminal
appropriately.
Turning now to FIG. 13, a system 1300 that facilitates
communication between a base station and a user terminal in a TDD
wireless environment is illustrated. System 1300 includes a base
station 1302 that determines and publishes a schedule that is
utilized for communications between base station 1302 and a user
terminal 1304. User terminal 1304 receives the schedule, and
communications are undertaken between base station 1302 and user
terminal 1304 according to such schedule. A second user terminal
1306 can also receive the schedule and be employed as a repeater
with respect to base station 1302 and user terminal 1304. For
example, user terminal 1304 can include one or more amplifiers and
employ battery power to amplify communications between base station
1302 and user terminal 1304 according to the published schedule. To
effectuate utilization of user terminal 1306 as a repeater, user
terminal can include multiple antennas--a first antenna for
transmitting signals and a second antenna for receiving signals. In
accordance with a related feature, user terminal 1306 can utilize a
single antenna and amplify signals according to the received
schedule in a manner substantially similar as described with
respect to repeaters in FIGS. 1-4.
Now referring to FIG. 14, coverage areas associated with a base
station and a repeater are illustrated. A base station 1402,
without aid of a repeater, can output signals over a geographic
area represented by an oval 1404. Accordingly, user terminals
existent within area 1404 can undergo communications with base
station 1402. A repeater 1406 can be employed to extend coverage of
the base station into a region 1408 that base station 1402 alone
cannot reach. Thus, bi-directional communications can occur between
a user terminal (not shown) within region 1408 and base station
1402, wherein such communications would not be enabled without
utilization of repeater 1406.
Now referring to FIG. 15, a high-level system overview of a
communication network 1500 is illustrated. A region 1502 can be any
suitable service area and can include any suitable number of
sub-regions, or sectors, each of which can further include a base
station (e.g., tower, transmitter, . . . ) from which a
communication signal can be transmitted to provide service to the
sector. In the idealistic network 1500, hexagonal sectors 1504,
1506, 1508, and 1510 are adjacent to one another, thereby creating
a tiled arrangement. Each hexagonal sector is provided coverage by
corresponding base stations 1512, 1514, 1516, and 1518. Thus, for
example, a user terminal 1520 is located in sector 1508 whose
coverage is provided by base station 1516. While sectors 1504,
1506, 1508, and 1510 are illustrated as hexagonal, it is understood
that in actuality coverage areas of base stations 1512, 1514, 1516,
and 1518 can vary in size and shape. Furthermore, base station
coverage areas can overlap with one another and base stations can
be sectored into, for example, three sectors. Other suitable
configurations of the wireless network are also contemplated by the
inventors of the subject invention and are intended to fall under
the scope of the hereto-appended claims.
What has been described above includes examples of one or more
contemplated aspects. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing these aspects, but one of ordinary skill in
the art may recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of such aspects are possible. Accordingly, the
embodiments described herein are intended to embrace all such
alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description
or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner
similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted
when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
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